Academics Curriculum 2008-09

World Languages

The goal of the world languages program is to provide high-quality language training to all students. In each language, we teach the skills of speaking, aural comprehension, reading, and writing. Teachers strive at all levels to engage students in the use of the target language for self-expression and communication. Teachers also provide insights into the social patterns, value systems, traditions, and cultures of the people whose language they are teaching.

At all levels, the target language is used extensively in the classroom. Oral proficiency is developed through the use of communicative activities. Reading is done not only for content and meaning, but also as a basis for oral discussion and writing. Controlled exercises in the structure of the language and free composition provide additional writing experience. Digital laboratories and computers are available for testing, in-class drill, homework assignments, and review. Study at the introductory level is available in Arabic. Study through the advanced level is offered in Chinese, French, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Advanced courses further develop linguistic skills while also focusing on the culture and literature of the countries where the language is spoken.

In addition to choosing from world languages offerings at NMH, students have the opportunity to participate in language programs to China, France, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. These programs are administered by the Center for International Education and led by departmental members.

Arabic
ARA 111  Beginning Arabic
One credit. Prerequisite: Seniors and postgraduates only.
This is a beginning course in Arabic, designed for students with no significant background in the language. The primary goal
of this course is to present students with the basic elements
of the Arabic language. Students will study the fundamental structures and vocabulary necessary for an introduction to Arabic. Oral, aural, and written skills acquisition will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to cultural components of the Arab world.

Chinese
CHI 111  Chinese I
One credit. Prerequisite: None.
This is a beginning course in modern Mandarin Chinese, designed for students with no significant background in the language.
The goal of this course is to help students develop functional
communication in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. The curriculum is designed to assist students to gain linguistic, social, and cultural background knowledge of the Chinese language, and develop various strategies and study habits to strengthen oral and written skills. The study of Chinese culture is also introduced. Pinyin (Mandarin Romanization) and Chinese characters are taught. Students learn to communicate about daily life and other topics of interest.

CHI 211  Chinese II
One credit. Prerequisite: CHI 111. Placement based on screening process.
This course builds upon the foundation of Chinese I. The goal is to help students increase their vocabulary, broaden their knowledge of grammar, and be better able to use their Chinese in everyday situations. The curriculum is designed to enhance the accuracy of students’ pronunciation, to develop understanding of the etymology and basic structures of Chinese characters, to foster effective study habits for developing oral and written skills, and to build independence in the use of conversational Chinese. Besides developing functional language (such as that used for shopping, giving directions, etc.), students will increase their vocabulary by learning to use Chinese dictionaries.

CHI 311  Chinese III
One credit. Prerequisite: CHI 211. Placement based on screening process.
Building upon the foundation of Chinese II, the goal of the course is to enhance the use of Mandarin in more complex situations. Students’ listening and speaking opportunities will be increased through the use of a broader range of materials beyond that of the textbook. Student interests in Chinese culture will be fostered through work on a translation project. Students review and practice written composition and Chinese dictionary skills through creative writing. The class will be conducted mostly in Chinese, with Chinese films and written cultural material increasingly incorporated into the curriculum.

CHI 411  Chinese IV
One credit. Prerequisite: CHI 311. Placement based on screening process.
This advanced course is conducted in Chinese. The objective of the course is to move students from controlled speaking situations to more independent, free speaking on a variety of topics including social events and issues. More complex sentence structures will be introduced, allowing students to discourse on broader topics. Students are given opportunities to explore their interests in Chinese culture and language and give presentations on their research. Projects such as skits and short plays will be incorporated into the class.

CHI 511  Chinese V: Advanced Placement Chinese Language
One credit. Prerequisite: CHI 511. Placement based on screening process.
This course is designed for students who want to study Chinese language and culture after Chinese IV. It is also for students who want to study for the AP Chinese test. Materials will cover various areas to allow students to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and society, as well as more training on the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Related Course
REL 413  Eastern Religions
HIS 418  Asia Rising

French
FRE 111  French I
One credit. For students who have never studied French, as well as for those whose skills are not strong enough for FRE 211. Prerequisite: None.
This introductory course presents the elementary structures and basic vocabulary of the language and begins training in oral-aural skills, reading, and writing. Communicative activities, including the use of video and computers, teach common functions such as how to greet and introduce, express likes and dislikes, describe and compare, and provide and obtain information in a culturally appropriate way.

FRE 211  French II
One credit. Prerequisite: FRE 111. Placement based on screening process.
This course furthers language skills introduced in French I and promotes a broader understanding of French culture. Communicative activities, including the use of video and computers, are designed to help students become more proficient in oral-aural skills. Short reading selections, including the use of authentic documents in French, foster improved comprehension of the written word. Student writing focuses on personal experiences and other high-interest, familiar topics.

FRE 221  Honors French II
One credit. Prerequisites: FRE 111. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course for students who have demonstrated keen interest and ability in language study is similar in content to FRE 211 but explores topics in greater detail.

FRE 311  French III
One credit. Prerequisite: FRE 211. Placement based on screening process.
This course is designed to complete the study of all the basic structures of the language, to strengthen the student’s active command of the spoken and written language, and to develop the skill of reading through a variety of materials and genres. Focus is not only on personal experiences and other familiar, high-interest topics, but also on issues and events beyond the self.

FRE 321  Honors French III
One credit. Prerequisite: FRE 211 or FRE 221. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course for students who have demonstrated keen interest and ability in language study is similar in content to FRE 311, with greater linguistic sophistication expected of students.

FRE 411  French IV: Contemporary Issues in the French-Speaking World
One credit. Prerequisite: FRE 311 or FRE 321. Placement based on screening process.
This course permits students with intermediate or advanced competencies in French to explore a wide range of social and political themes such as cultural differences, immigration policies, various forms of bias, education, and environmental issues. Students work with authentic materials in French taken from periodicals, radio and television broadcasts, the World Wide Web, feature films, and literature. These materials come from different regions of the French-speaking world.

FRE 421  Honors French IV
One credit. Prerequisite: FRE 311 or FRE 321. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course for students who have demonstrated keen interest and ability in language study is similar in content to FRE 411, with greater linguistic sophistication expected of students.

FRE 511  French V: Advanced Placement French Language
One credit. Prerequisite: Placement based on screening process.
This course is dedicated to the study of contemporary French society and its evolution during the past century. We will look at the changes in family dynamics, in the educational system, in youth, and in society in general. We will also examine colonization in order to understand its continuing influence in the French-speaking world. We will use excerpts from books, newspapers, magazine articles, films, documentaries, and music. We will examine the work of writers, journalists, singers and artists. Through their work, we will discuss their views on historical and current social events.

Related Course
INT 061  International Studies Program: France
Winter term.

Classical Studies/Latin
Classical studies is an interdisciplinary field embracing every aspect of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome and the formidable influence of those cultures on the subsequent development of Western civilization. Classical studies provides valuable insight into the ways in which the past has shaped the world’s present languages, literature, religions, political and scientific thought, and artistic traditions.

The classical language Latin has a special position in the development of Western culture and civilization. Many of the words used in modern European languages are rooted in this ancient tongue. Terminology in many fields of endeavor are borrowed from Latin, and ancient Greek and Roman mythology and literature stand behind many more recent creative works. In all Latin courses, connections are sought between ancient and modern times, and students are provided the opportunity to find their own connections through independent research.

LAT 111  Latin I
One credit. Prerequisite: None.
This course begins the basics of Latin grammar and syntax in a reading-based program. The acquisition of study skills necessary to master the forms and vocabulary of the language is emphasized. Using the Ecce Romani texts, students learn the first three declensions and the present, imperfect, and perfect verb tenses. Classroom instruction and independent projects introduce the students to the history and culture of the ancient Romans. This course prepares the student for Latin 211 but can also be viewed as a stand-alone introduction to the formal study of language and to ancient Roman and Greek cultures. A section of the course includes work on vocabulary building, emphasizing the presence of Greek and Latin roots in English words.

LAT 211  Latin II
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 111.
This course continues the study of Latin grammar and syntax begun in Latin I. Continuing in Ecce Romani, students learn the fourth and fifth declensions, the future, pluperfect, and future perfect tenses, and the passive voice. The development of reading skills and further study of Roman history and culture are emphasized.

LAT 311  Latin III
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 211.
This course completes the study of Latin grammar and syntax, including the subjunctive constructions and indirect statement. The development of reading skills and further study of Roman history and culture continue to be emphasized. At the end of the course, students begin reading poetry and unadapted selections from Roman history.

LAT 411  Latin IV
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 311.
This course includes a complete review of Latin grammar and syntax and begins the serious reading of Latin literature. Selections focus on the turbulent history of the first century B.C., leading to readings such as Cicero’s political and philosophical works. Students pursue independent research to strengthen their knowledge of Roman life and literature.

LAT 511  Advanced Placement Latin: Vergil
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 411. Placement based on screening process.
A close reading of passages from Vergil’s Aeneid forms the basis of a literary analysis of one of the most important works in literature, while developing the student’s ability to read Latin at sight. Portions not read in Latin are read in translation so students can appreciate the structure of the epic as a whole.

LAT 512  Advanced Placement Latin: Lyric Poetry
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 411. Placement based on screening process. (Not offered 2007–08)
The poetry of Catullus and Horace is the material of this course. These two poets transferred the art of the ancient Greek lyric poets to the Latin language and expressed their thoughts and feelings in a form that can best be appreciated in the original language.

LAT 513  Advanced Placement Latin: Cicero and Catullus
One credit. Prerequisite: LAT 411. Placement based on screening process. (Not offered 2007–08)
This course examines the political and social atmosphere of late Republican Rome as reflected in selections of Catullus’s poetry and Cicero’s philosophical De Amicitia and his oration Pro Archia.

Related Courses
ENG 405  Senior English (Ancient Epic)


Russian
RUS 111  Russian I
One credit. Prerequisite: None.
This course emphasizes oral proficiency and listening comprehension with secondary focus on reading and writing. Students learn to handle basic communicative situations and provide information about themselves, family, school, community, hobbies, and other topics of interest. The study of Russian culture through videos, films, and selected readings is an integral part of the course.

RUS 211  Russian II
One credit. Prerequisite: RUS 111. Placement based on screening process.
Development of all four of the basic language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—is emphasized in this course. Students strive for accuracy while focusing on the ability to communicate in varied contexts. The study of Russian culture and history through videos, films, and selected readings is an integral part of the course.

RUS 311  Russian III
One credit. Prerequisite: RUS 211. Placement based on screening process.
This course focuses on the ability of students to express opinions and emotions and make cultural comparisons as they work toward mastery of complex grammar points. Reading and writing skills are emphasized to a greater extent than at earlier levels. Digital media, cultural videos, and feature-length films are used extensively.

RUS 411  Russian IV
One credit. Prerequisite: RUS 311. Placement based on screening process.
This advanced course uses a variety of materials designed to give students a better understanding of Russian culture, as well as deeper knowledge of Russian grammar and an ever-expanding vocabulary. Students continue to work on oral and written proficiency, focusing on narration and description. A beginning study of Russian literature, including poetry and short stories, as well as analysis and discussions of culturally significant films, is part of the course.

Spanish
SPA 111  Spanish I
One credit. Prerequisite: None.
This course covers many of the structures of Spanish and provides beginning training in reading, writing, and oral-aural skills, while introducing Hispanic cultures. Communicative activities, video, and computer activities are designed to help students become more proficient in present-tense usage.

SPA 121  Honors Spanish I
One credit. Prerequisite: Previous language experience. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course is for motivated students who have had previous successful study of Spanish (one or two years at the junior high or high school level) or another second language, but who are not quite ready for Spanish II at our school. The course provides beginning training in reading, writing, and oral-aural skills, while introducing Hispanic cultures. Oral skills are emphasized and topics are explored in greater detail.

SPA 211  Spanish II
One credit. Prerequisite: SPA 111 or SPA 121. Placement based on screening process.
This course continues the development of the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both present and past tenses) and of multicultural awareness.

SPA 221  Honors Spanish II
One credit. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course for students who have demonstrated their ability and interest in the study of the Spanish language is similar to SPA 211, except that students generally do more reading, writing, speaking, and other proficiency-oriented activities in class.

SPA 311  Spanish III
One credit. Prerequisite: SPA 211 or SPA 221. Placement based on screening process.
This course emphasizes self-expression through conversation, composition, and many interpersonal communication activities. A study of stories and poems with a multicultural perspective is combined with a complete review of basic Spanish grammar and an introduction to more advanced grammar concepts.

SPA 321  Honors Spanish III
One credit.  Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course for students who have demonstrated ability and interest in language study is similar to SPA 311, except that students do more reading, writing, speaking, and other proficiency-oriented activities in class.

SPA 411  Spanish IV
One credit. Prerequisite: SPA 311 or SPA 321. Placement based on screening process.
This advanced language course focuses on Spanish grammar and conversation and introduces a number of readings in Hispanic civilization and literature.

SPA 412  Spanish IV/Service-learning Project
One credit. Prerequisite: SPA 311 or SPA 321. Placement based on screening process.
This advanced language course combines the study of the language and culture of Hispanic civilization with the teaching of the language to students of a local elementary school.

SPA 421  Spanish IV Honors
One credit. Prerequisite: SPA 321. Placement based on screening process.
This enriched course focuses on composition, conversation, and culture, with a complete review of Spanish grammar. Students will be introduced to a number of Hispanic authors through various readings on Hispanic civilization and literature.

SPA 501  Spanish V:  Modern Hispanic Cultures
One credit. Prerequisite:  Open to juniors or seniors upon
completion of SPA 411 or SPA 421, and/or native or near-native ability in Spanish. Placement based on screening process.
This course is designed to meet the needs of those students who wish to continue their study of Spanish at the fifth-year level, but who may not wish to take the AP course. The focus of the course is on 20th- and 21st-century Hispanic culture via a survey of Hispanic literature, cinema, and pop culture. Authors studied will include García Márquez, Rulfo, Quiroga, Allende, Lorca, Neruda, Ibarbourou, and other representatives of the prose, poetic, and theatrical genres. Although the main emphasis of this course is on conversation and writing, certain topics of grammar will be reviewed/introduced.

SPA 511  Spanish V: Advanced Placement Spanish Language
One credit. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Selection based on application process.
This course is designed to review, enhance, and perfect all the skill areas that students have been developing since the beginning of their Spanish study. Specifically it concentrates on developing the ability to read authentic texts, write with appropriate vocabulary, syntax, and grammatical structures, listen to native conversation with advanced comprehension, speak with near native speed using appropriate syntax, and interpret and understand Hispanic cultural phenomena. The course prepares the students for the Spanish Advanced Placement Language Examination.

Related Courses
INT 064  International Studies Program: Uruguay
Winter term.
INT 069  International Studies Program: Costa Rica
Winter term.